Minnesota Burrowing Owl Conservation 1990 Report

Martell, Mark; Schladweiler, John; Nibe, Jill

"The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota (TRC) and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Nongame Program (TNGP) began their sixth year of Burrowing Owl conservation activities in 1990. Research, management, and education continued to be the foci of the project. Research activities designed to study the natal-return rate, nest-site fidelity and location of wintering grounds were begun in South Dakota and Minnesota. Locating and documenting all nestings in Minnesota remained a top priority. Reintroduction of owls, which began in 1985, was continued at a new hack site in Rocky County. Use of the Lac Qui Parle Couty site was discontinued since most of the known Burrowing Owl nests used since 1988 were located in Rock (4) and Pipestone (2) Counties(Table 1). Funding was provided by TNGP and TRC. Badlands National Park (South Dakota) provided logistic assistance. Fieldwork was assisted by Charlene Gieck, Bruce Bessken and Mary Henry. Advice as assistance were provided by Eileen Dowd and others ar South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Dept., Bruce Bessken and others at Badlands National Park, as well as personnel at the Nebraska National Forest (South Dakota) and Blue Mounds State Park (Minnesota). Trudi Hahn provided valuable comments and editorial advice on this report for which we are grateful." (from document Introduction)